Dosage Forms
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.
Ointment, External:
Vectical: 3 mcg/g (100 g)
Generic: 3 mcg/g (100 g)
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
The mechanism by which calcitriol is beneficial in the treatment of psoriasis has not been established.
Pharmacokinetics/Pharmacodynamics
Absorption
Oral: Rapid
Metabolism
Primarily to calcitroic acid and a lactone metabolite
Excretion
Excretion: Feces (27%); urine (7%, unchanged in 24 hours)
Clearance: Children 1.8 to 16 years undergoing peritoneal dialysis: 15.3 mL/hour/kg
Time to Peak
Oral: 3 to 6 hours; Hemodialysis: 8 to 12 hours
Duration of Action
Oral, IV: 3 to 5 days
Half-Life Elimination
Children 1.8-16 years undergoing peritoneal dialysis: 27.4 hours; Healthy adults: 5 to 8 hours; Hemodialysis: 16 to 22 hours
Protein Binding
99.9%
Use: Labeled Indications
Plaque psoriasis: Management of mild-to-moderate plaque psoriasis
Contraindications
There are no contraindications listed in the manufacturer's labeling.
Canadian labeling: Hypersensitivity to calcitriol or any component of the formulation; ophthalmic or internal use; hypercalcemia or a history of abnormal calcium metabolism; concurrent systemic treatment of calcium homeostasis; severe renal impairment or end-stage renal disease (ESRD); hepatic impairment
Dosage and Administration
Dosing: Adult
Psoriasis: Topical: Apply twice daily to affected areas (maximum: 200 g weekly)
Administration
Topical: Apply externally; not for ophthalmic, oral, or intravaginal use. Do not apply to eyes, lips, or facial skins. Rub in gently so that no medication remains visible. Limit application to only the areas of skin affected by psoriasis.
Storage
Store at room temperature of 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F); do not refrigerate; do not freeze.
Drug Interactions
Aluminum Hydroxide: Vitamin D Analogs may increase the serum concentration of Aluminum Hydroxide. Specifically, the absorption of aluminum may be increased, leading to increased serum aluminum concentrations. Avoid combination
Aminolevulinic Acid (Systemic): Photosensitizing Agents may enhance the photosensitizing effect of Aminolevulinic Acid (Systemic). Avoid combination
Aminolevulinic Acid (Topical): Photosensitizing Agents may enhance the photosensitizing effect of Aminolevulinic Acid (Topical). Monitor therapy
Burosumab: Vitamin D Analogs may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Burosumab. Avoid combination
Calcium Salts: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Vitamin D Analogs. Monitor therapy
Cardiac Glycosides: Vitamin D Analogs may enhance the arrhythmogenic effect of Cardiac Glycosides. Monitor therapy
Multivitamins/Fluoride (with ADE): May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Vitamin D Analogs. Avoid combination
Multivitamins/Minerals (with ADEK, Folate, Iron): May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Vitamin D Analogs. Avoid combination
Porfimer: Photosensitizing Agents may enhance the photosensitizing effect of Porfimer. Monitor therapy
Sucralfate: Vitamin D Analogs may increase the serum concentration of Sucralfate. Specifically, the absorption of aluminum from sucralfate may be increased, leading to an increase in the serum aluminum concentration. Avoid combination
Thiazide and Thiazide-Like Diuretics: May enhance the hypercalcemic effect of Vitamin D Analogs. Monitor therapy
Verteporfin: Photosensitizing Agents may enhance the photosensitizing effect of Verteporfin. Monitor therapy
Vitamin D Analogs: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of other Vitamin D Analogs. Avoid combination
Adverse Reactions
>10%: Endocrine: Hypercalcemia (24%)
1% to 10%:
Dermatologic: Psoriasis (4%), pruritus (1% to 3%), skin discomfort
Genitourinary: Urine abnormality (4%), hypercalciuria (3%)
<1%, postmarketing, and/or case reports: Burning sensation of skin, dermatitis (acute; blistering), eczema (including extensive flare up), erythema, nephrolithiasis, skin atrophy
Warnings/Precautions
Concerns related to adverse effects:
- Hypercalcemia: May cause hypercalcemia; if alterations in calcium occur, discontinue treatment until levels return to normal.
Other warnings/precautions:
- Appropriate use: For external use only; not for ophthalmic, oral, or intravaginal use. Do not apply to facial skin, eyes, or lips. Absorption may be increased with occlusive dressings. Avoid or limit excessive exposure to natural or artificial sunlight, or phototherapy. The safety and effectiveness has not been evaluated in patients with erythrodermic, exfoliative, or pustular psoriasis.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Risk Factor
C
Pregnancy Considerations
Adverse effects have been observed in some animal reproduction studies. When treatment for psoriasis in pregnancy is needed, the use of other agents is generally preferred (Babalola 2013; Bae 2012).
Patient Education
- Discuss specific use of drug and side effects with patient as it relates to treatment. (HCAHPS: During this hospital stay, were you given any medicine that you had not taken before? Before giving you any new medicine, how often did hospital staff tell you what the medicine was for? How often did hospital staff describe possible side effects in a way you could understand?)
- Patient may experience itching. Have patient report immediately to prescriber signs of high calcium (weakness, confusion, fatigue, headache, nausea and vomiting, constipation, or bone pain) or severe skin irritation (HCAHPS).
- Educate patient about signs of a significant reaction (eg, wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat). Note: This is not a comprehensive list of all side effects. Patient should consult prescriber for additional questions.
Intended Use and Disclaimer: Should not be printed and given to patients. This information is intended to serve as a concise initial reference for healthcare professionals to use when discussing medications with a patient. You must ultimately rely on your own discretion, experience and judgment in diagnosing, treating and advising patients.
